Lauren O’Connor, MA (she/her)

Lauren O’Connor is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults. Lauren prioritizes building a strong, trusting rapport as the foundation for meaningful growth. Lauren believes in taking a collaborative and personalized approach to care where she works to understand patients’ unique experiences, strengths, and goals. Lauren aims to not only help patients navigate current challenges, but also to equip them with skills that support long-term well-being.

Lauren utilizes various evidenced-based approaches to care, such as dialectical-behavioral (DBT), cognitive-behavioral (CBT), acceptance and commitment (ACT), person-centered, mindfulness, play techniques, executive functioning coaching, and strength-based techniques.

Lauren’s clinical interests include a variety of presenting issues, such as: anxiety, social anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD and trauma, divorce, learning disabilities, executive functioning, ADHD, autism, school refusal, grief, parent-child relationships, perinatal and postnatal care, anger management, life transitions, adolescent and young adult issues, marital and relationship difficulties, self-esteem challenges, as well as body image struggles.

Background

Lauren earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree with honors from Carthage College. Lauren earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree from Roosevelt University.

Lauren has previous experience in private practice counseling, working with people of all ages and many backgrounds. Lauren also presented at the 2022 Midwestern Psychological Association conference on Student State Anxiety Reactivity After Reflection on Social Interactions in Academic Settings.

Lauren is a professional member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and American Counseling Association (ACA).

Lauren welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs to work with her.  Lauren is a strong ally of racial justice, body positivity, and single mothers.

Licensed Professional Counselor: IL License #: 178.022749